Las Vegas Family Things to Do
It used to be inconceivable that people would take the family on a vacation to Las Vegas. After all, “Sin City” is no place for children. Since the early 1990s, though, Las Vegas has refocused itself to appeal to families with kids. Though children still aren’t allowed in the casinos, they will delight in the multitude of attractions available to them.
From zoo exhibits, like the free Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand or Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage, to aquariums, like Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, to full-on theme parks, like the Adventuredome behind Circus Circus, kids will find some of their favorite sights and activities along the Strip.
Rides, Thrills and Games
For thrill-seeking older children, the rides at the top of the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. Any ride that you have to ascend over 1,000 feet into the air simply to reach is definitely not for the faint of heart. The newest thrill ride, aptly dubbed “Insanity” dangles and spins you out over the tower’s side, eventually facing you toward the distant ground below. All-ride packages are the best value for those who wish to test their comfort with heights, speed, and flat-out thrills.
Like your rides closer to terra firma? Check out the New York New York Hotel & Casino’s Roller Coaster, which whips you through loops, twists and hills all through an ersatz Manhattan Skyline right along the Strip. A “Flight for Four” package provides ride tickets for four people and two souvenir photos of you and your family’s terrified faces for $56 (single ride admissions are $14 per person, and if you are certain you will want to ride again, you can buy a second ride at the same time for an additional $7).
If virtual thrills are more your speed, GameWorks is the arcade/games parlor/immersive experience of the future, mixing everything from virtual reality games to old fashioned pool tables, Sega and Universal Studios teamed up to create this combination restaurant-and-amusement center that has enough to keep everyone busy for hours. GameWorks is free to enter, and you can buy game cards by time, dollar value, or the $35 all-day all-night Play Pass.
Fun and Learning in One
Las Vegas has done its best to make even educational excursions fun. If you and the family want to learn a few things while having a blast, check out the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum. Voted the Best Museum in Las Vegas, the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum features dozens of hands-on exhibits suitable for all ages. Kids will have so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning. The museum is located just north of Downtown Las Vegas, an inexpensive taxi ride from the Strip.
For a sense of the natural history and desert ecology of the Las Vegas Valley, perfectly designed to be child-friendly and enjoyably educational, check out the Springs Preserve, dedicated to proving that the desert is far from a wasteland, exploring the history and pre-history of the springs that created this oasis, and demonstrating what we can do to keep the desert vital and sustainable. Located northwest of the Strip, the Springs Preserve features hiking trails, exhibits on wildlife and vegetation, interactive video games that tell the stories of the peoples and cultures that have called this valley home, and much more. There’s even a Wolfgang Puck café devoted to sustainable and healthy food. Wandering the gardens and trails is free and there are several levels of tickets available.
Tips for Vegas with Kids
If you’re looking to enjoy the casinos or a grown-ups night on the town, several hotels offer child care centers or in-room sitter services. Many of these in-hotel child care centers are run by Kid’s Quest and require immunization records. Contact hotels and speak to the concierge to inquire about child care availability, prices, and requirements before you book.
A few things to look into before you book your hotel: Check to see at what age the hotel starts charging for children. Circus Circus is free to children 18 and under staying with their parents, the Las Vegas Hilton allows children 17 and under to stay free. All other hotels vary between 11 and 16. Another important thing to check into is the pool. Make sure you like the one at the hotel where you intend to stay, as pools, such as Mandalay Bay’s jaw-dropping “beach” and wave pool, are usually open only to hotel guests.